Legal Resources

Access Pro-bono Summary Advice Legal Clinics

604-878-7400 or 1-877-762-6664     appointments@accessprobono.ca  
Service by volunteer lawyers with eligibility based on income. 30-minute appointments through telephone or video conference. Scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance and offered primarily through telephone or video conference. Please note that SAP cannot assist with emergency issues and does not provide any services (e.g. representation, notarization, drafting, etc). Clients must call the number above to setup an appointment. 
Learn more about  the Access Pro-bono Summary Advice Legal Clinics.

Amici Curiae (Friends of Court)

778-522-2839    helpme@legalformsbc.ca
Get help completing legal forms in a one-hour session with a legal professional. Service available through videoconferencing in Zoom, or by phone. Book an appointment by phone (voicemail only) or on their website.
Learn more about Amici Curiae (Friends of Court).

Ask JES Multilingual Legal Help

1-855-875-8867 (call/text)
Can answer legal questions in a range of languages via phone or text. Also have a chat service online. Supported by UBC law students, as well as a knowledge base of over 1000 legally reviewed questions and answers. When complex questions are asked, they are escalated legally trained professionals who respond by email. Provides legal help information, not legal advice.
Learn more about Ask JES Multilingual Legal Help.

Askanadvocate.ca by SOURCES

Website provides basic and clear information about tenancy, income assistance, disability benefits (provincial and federal), and other income supports. Has videos, FAQs, fact sheets, and links to other services and resources. 
Learn more about Askanadvocate.ca by SOURCES.

Business Law Clinic at the Allard School of Law

cblassistant@allard.ubc.ca 
Provides business oriented legal advice to small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and individuals who cannot otherwise afford legal advice. Services provided by law students at the Allard School of Law at UBC and supervised by practicing lawyers. Website has overview of services.
Learn more about the Business Law Clinic at the Allard School of Law.

British Columbia Ombudsperson

947 Fort Street, Victoria BC (get directions to the British Columbia Ombudsperson)
1-800-567-3247   
We work to make sure the public is treated fairly when receiving public services in BC. We listen to complaints, and if it’s an organization we oversee, we may investigate to determine if the organization has acted unfairly. The office also investigates reports of serious wrongdoing by current and former public sector employees.
Learn more about the British Columbia Ombudsperson.

Brydges Line - Legal Services Society

1-866-458-5500   Brydges@legalaid.bc.ca
Province-wide, toll free, 24-hour emergency legal services. Provides access to a lawyer on criminal matters for people who have been arrested, detained, are under active police investigation and in custody, but have not yet been criminally charged. 
Learn more about the Brydges Line - Legal Services Society.

ClickLaw

Offers basic legal information on a wide range of subjects.
Learn more about ClickLaw.

ClickLaw Wikibooks

ClickLaw provides a series of free online law books for the average person on a wide variety of topics. All are available online with links to relevant forms, and some are also available in print at Surrey Libraries. The online versions are regularly updated.
Learn more about the ClickLaw Wikibooks.

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

300 - 1140 West Pender Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS))
604-685-3425     contact@clasbc.net
Provides legal help and education around human rights complaints, housing, mental health law, workplace issues, sexual harassment in the workplace, and issues accessing government benefits.
Learn more about Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS).

Courthouse Libraries

14340 57th Avenue, Surrey BC (get directions to the Surrey Courthouse Library)
604-572-2307 (Surrey)     1-800-665-2570 (Main)
The Surrey courthouse library is a small branch library open to the public between 8:30am - 12pm and 12:30pm - 4pm Tuesdays. Anyone can access and use computers, free printing and Wi-Fi. The library resources are mainly online, with a small print collection.  For reference assistance, please use our more comprehensive New Westminster courthouse library, open Monday to Friday (9am - 12pm, 12:30 pm - 4pm). 
Learn more about the Courthouse Libraries.

Dial-A-Law

604-687-4680     Toll free in BC: 1-800-565-5297   info@peopleslawschool.ca
Library of scripts prepared by lawyers. It offers general information on a variety of topics on law in BC, but not legal advice. Dial-A-Law is a free service available by telephone and Internet at all times.
Learn more about Dial-A-Law.

Law Students Legal Advice Program & UBC Law Students’ Legal Advice Manual

604-822-5791 
Run by UBC law students. Free legal advice and representation for low income clients. Offers a range of services but cannot offer help with family law, probate or small business law, personal injury, and criminal cases that might result in jail time. Can meet at many local locations if needed. Also have an online legal information manual with an extensive referral section as well if you need more help finding resources or help.
Learn more about the Law Students Legal Advice Program & UBC Law Students’ Legal Advice Manual.

Lawyer Referral Service

604-687-3221
Available by phone from 8:30-4:30pm on weekdays. This program refers you to the right lawyer. Lawyers who participate in the program offer an initial consultation of up to 15 minutes to determine if an individual has a legal issue. After the initial free consultation, the  lawyer's full rate applies.
Learn more about the Lawyer Referral Service.

Legal Aid BC

102 - 10706 King George Boulevard, Surrey BC (get directions to Legal Aid BC)
604-498-2920     Intake.Surrey@legalaid.bc.ca
Legal aid available for serious criminal charges, young offenders, urgent family law problems and immigration matters. Some restrictions apply dependent on case and income.
Learn more about Legal Aid BC.

Legal Aid Navigators

400 – 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC
604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525 
Legal aid navigators are Legal Aid BC staff who can: help people find legal information and self-help resources online, including Legal Aid BC websites; give people printed legal information, such as Legal Aid BC publications, on a variety of legal issues; print forms for people (but can't help to fill them out); refer people to other community services to get legal advice or to connect with an advocate; provide legal information and referral services by phone or in person; and assist Community Court clients.
Learn more about Legal Aid Navigators.

LGBTQ-Friendly Legal Services from Sher Vancouver

Find lawyer referrals, human rights information and other community resources.
Learn more about LGBTQ-Friendly Legal Services from Sher Vancouver.

Mediate BC

604-684-1300     info@mediatebc.com
Provides information about mediation as a dispute resolution process and alternative to court, which can be very costly. Can connect you with mediators for small claims court, family law and other situations.
Learn more about Mediate BC. 

Patient Care Quality Office

(4th Floor) 11762 Laity Street, Maple Ridge BC (get directions to the Patient Care Quality Office)
1-877-880-8823     pcqoffice@fraserhealth.ca
Complaints process to receive and respond to patient concerns. For patients, clients, residents, and their loved ones in BC
Learn more about Patient Care Quality Office.

People’s Law School

People's Law School is a non-profit society in British Columbia, dedicated to making the law accessible to everyone. We provide free education and information to help people effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.
Learn more about the People’s Law School.

Public Guardian and Trustee of BC

700 - 808 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC)
604-660-4444     mail@trustee.bc.ca
The mandate of the PGT is to protect the legal and financial interests of children under the age of 19, protect the legal, financial, personal and health care interests of adults who require assistance in decision making and administer the estates of deceased and missing persons.
Learn more about the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC.

My Refugee Claim

info@myrefugeeclaim.ca
My Refugee Claim is a set of resources that help refugee claimants navigate the complex refugee claim process. The comprehensive website and downloadable Orientation Booklet help make the refugee claim process more understandable, empowering refugee claimants to be informed, connected, and prepared as they go through the refugee protection system here in Canada. Available in multiple languages.
Learn more about My Refugee Claim.

Ready Tours  

readytours@myrefugeeclaim.ca
Ready Tours are free, virtual workshops where refugee claimants prepare for their refugee hearings and learn about the refugee appeal process. Attend a Ready Tour to learn about the refugee hearing and appeal processes from someone who works at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). 
Learn more about Ready Tours.

SOURCES Legal Resource Centre

105 - 13771 72A Avenue, Surrey BC (get directions to the SOURCES Legal Resource Centre)
778-735-1368 
Offers free information and resources on a variety of legal issues.
Learn more about the SOURCES Legal Resource Centre.

South Asian Legal Clinic of BC

236-477-5518   info@salcbc.org       
Appointments can be booked through an online intake page. 
Offers free legal advice in family, child protection, wills and estates, employment, immigration, and WCB law. Services offered in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.
Learn more about the South Asian Legal Clinic of BC.

Unbundled Legal Services

With unbundling, your legal matter is broken down into parts. You choose which parts a lawyer helps with, and which parts you will do yourself. You get professional assistance where you need it most — at a cost you can afford. There is a directory of lawyers offering this service on the website.
Learn more about Unbundled Legal Services.

BC Financial Services Authority

600 - 750 West Pender Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to the BC Financial Services Authority)
604-660-3555     info@bcfsa.ca
Regulates credit unions, trust companies, insurance companies, pension plans, mortgage brokers and real estate professionals Primary focus is to safeguard the interests of depositors, policyholders, beneficiaries and pension plan members. 
Learn more about the BC Financial Services Authority.

Better Business Bureau

404 - 788 Beatty Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to the Better Business Bureau)
604-682-2711  marketing@iabbb.org
Provides business ratings. Also has consumer tips on their website.
Learn more about the Better Business Bureau.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

contactcentre@cmhc.ca 
Provides good online information on renting, home buying, developing and renovating, managing and maintaining.
Learn more about the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

1-888-495-8501  info@consumerprotectionbc.ca
Investigates reports of scams whether by telephone, facsimile, postal mail or the internet. You can report fraud here. Lists alerts of different scams and advice. Provided by the Federal Government.
Learn more about the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Consumer Protection BC

1-888-564-9963 
Regulator for debt repayment and collection, bailiffs, cemetery and funeral services, home inspectors, payday lending, travel agencies, telemarketing, and motion pictures. Also has consumer tips.
Learn more about the Consumer Protection BC.

Invest Right at BC Securities Commission

1-800-373-6393
Provides British Columbians with online tools and information to help them make wise investing decisions and protect themselves against unsuitable or potentially fraudulent investments. You can report suspicious investments through InvestRight.org or by contacting the BCSC’s Inquiries Group.
Learn more about the Invest Right at BC Securities Commission.

The Little Black Book of Scams

Good information published by the Canadian government detailing different types of scams and how to avoid them.
Learn more about The Little Black Book of Scams.

Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments

1-888-451-4519
Resolves disputes between participating banking services and investment firms and their customers if they can't solve them on their own. Most banks have an Ombudsman who handles complaints against the bank. Contact your bank for further information. If you are not satisfied with the bank’s Ombudsman, there is an Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments who may be able to assist you.
Learn more about the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments.

Advocacy Access Program at the Disability Alliance BC

1450 - 605 Robson Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to Disability Alliance BC)
604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278  feedback@disabilityalliancebc.org
Provides one-on-one help with provincial and federal disability benefits applications and appeals. Also helps to access health benefits, and provides help with the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).  Helps people receiving provincial disability assistance to file their income taxes throughout the year. Also have a legal clinic for certain disability-related areas of law.
Learn more about the Advocacy Access Program at the Disability Alliance BC.

MPA Society Court Services Program

14340 57th Avenue, Surrey BC (get directions to the MPA Society Court Services Program)
604-482-3700  info@mpa-society.org
Provides assistance for individuals experiencing the effects of mental illness and addictions, who have become involved in the criminal justice system. Our assistance occurs as friends of the court inside and outside of the courthouse.
Learn more about the MPA Society Court Services Program.

SOURCES Newton Resource Centre

102 - 13771 72A Avenue, Surrey BC (get directions to the SOURCES Newton Resource Centre)
778-731-9195  info@sourcesbc.ca
Wide range of supports, information and advocacy for income assistance, disability, housing and federal income assistance programs.  Also can help if you are being evicted (must have received notice) or with more immediate housing crisis. Offers community voicemail, pro bono access & free income tax service. Housing resources also available including lists of low cost rentals, phone for housing search as well as computers. Can help with loans to help with rent from the SOURCES Rent bank.
Learn more about the SOURCES Newton Resource Centre.

BC Family Unbundling Roster

Find a lawyer or paralegal that that will provide help for certain aspects of your legal issue. It’s a more affordable way of getting legal help since you pay for only what you need. Individual lawyers and paralegals on this list have chosen to provide this service. 
Learn more about the BC Family Unbundling Roster.

Desk Order Divorce

Basic guide to doing  your own uncontested divorce.
Learn more about Desk Order divorce.

Do Your Own Uncontested Divorce

Basic guide to doing  your own uncontested divorce.
Learn more about Do Your Own Uncontested Divorce.

Family Duty Counsel

14340 – 57 Avenue, Surrey BC (get directions to the Family Duty Counsel)
604-595-4379
Duty counsel lawyers provide free assistance for qualifying low income individuals with their family law problems, including child protection issues (if the Ministry of Children and Family Development becomes involved with your family). Can give advice and may speak on your behalf in court on simple matters.  They can also attend family case conferences at some courts. They will not take on your whole case and will not represent you at a trial.
Learn more about Family Duty Counsel.

Family Law in British Columbia

familylawinquiries@legalaid.bc.ca 
Great website for family law issues. Also has a chat help service that offers live help finding resources.  Also have fact sheets and self help guides that walk you through making court applications.
Learn more about Family Law in British Columbia.

Family Law Line

1-866-577-2525 or 604-408-2172
If you are of low income and have a family law issue, you may be eligible for free advice over the phone. Family Law LINE lawyers give brief "next step" advice about issues such as custody, access, guardianship, child support, spousal support, property division, family agreements, adoption, and court procedures. Interpreters available.
Learn more about the Family Law Line.

JP Boyd on Family Law—ClickLaw Wikibooks

Provides practical, in-depth coverage of family law and divorce law in BC. Available online with links to forms, and in print at the library.
Learn more about the JP Boyd on Family Law—ClickLaw Wikibooks.

Ministry of Justice e-Divorce

Guides you through an online joint divorce. Joint divorce means making an application for a divorce together with your spouse. It means that you and your spouse agree about getting a divorce and that you agree about all of the family law issues relevant to your situation, such as spousal support, and the division of family property and debts.
Learn more about the Ministry of Justice e-Divorce.

Newton Town Centre Parent Legal Centre

308 – 7337 137th Street, Surrey BC (get directions to the Newton Town Centre Parent Legal Centre)
604-595-4360  info@legalaid.bc.ca
Helps parents address social workers concerns about their children’s safety.  Lawyers and advocates will help you through the process, represent you  and make sure you know your rights.
Learn more about the Newton Town Centre Parent Legal Centre.

Parenting After Separation Workshops & Handbook

Free online workshops that help parents make informed decisions about separation which consider their children’s best interests. Also free downloadable PDF handbook.
Learn more about the Parenting After Separation Workshops & Handbook.

Surrey Justice Access Centre

14340 57th Avenue, Surrey BC (3rd Floor) (get directions to the Surrey Justice Access Centre)
604-501-3100 
Information on the court process, mediation and help with applications. They provide neutral and confidential services to British Columbians going through separation or divorce.
Learn more about the Surrey Justice Access Centre.

Residential Tenancy Office

400 - 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby BC (get directions to the Residential Tenancy Office)
604-660-1020    
The Residential Tenancy Branch provides landlords and tenants with information and dispute resolution services. The best place to start if you are dealing with a tenancy issue.
Learn more about the Residential Tenancy Office.

Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre

604-255-0546
TRAC educates individuals and community organizations about Residential Tenancy Law, promotes tenants’ legal rights  and affordable housing in BC.  Provides videos & publications in 21 languages. Info Line/Tenant Hotline 1-800-665-1185. Available 1pm-5pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri; available 5:30pm-8:30pm on Wed.
Learn more about the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC

604-408-2172  or 1-866-577-2525  
Provides links to legal aid services but also a good  plain language legal information specific to First Nations.  Has information on common legal matters.
Learn more about Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC.

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia

604-628-1143  advancover@nccabc.com
Native Courtworkers work to assist indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally sensitive treatment. Free for qualified individuals.
Learn more about the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia.

Employment Standards Branch

A207 - 20159 88 Avenue, Langley BC (get directions to the Employment Standards Branch)
1-833-236-3700  
For non-union employer/employee inquiries, wages, overtime and statutory pay, maternity leave, and severance pay. Can clarify labour rules and is a good place to start if you feel that you are being unlawfully exploited. Administers the Employment Standards Act and Reg.
Learn more about the Employment Standards Branch.

Essentials of Work & the Law

Good basic guide to labour law and protecting your rights. Available online or in paper form at some library branches. Print copies available to order.
Learn more about the Essentials of Work & the Law.

Workers’ Compensation Board

Provincial Call Centre: 1-888-967-5377  
Provides assistance with applications if you have been injured at work. Call phone number to initial claim. Operates under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Learn more about the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Seniors First BC

502 - 1281 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to Seniors First BC)
1-866-437-1940     info@seniorsfirstbc.ca
Offers a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated. Has information about elder abuse prevention and offers workshops. Also offers the Legal Advocacy Program provides pro-bono legal services to older adults.
Learn more about Seniors First BC.

Everyone Legal Clinic 

778-200-4478  intake@everyonelegal.ca
Offers low-cost legal services on a fixed-fee basis— in person or by virtual connection. Provides affordable help for family, tenancy/strata, employment, wills/estates, civil, corporate, consumer or criminal law issues. 
Learn more about Everyone Legal Clinic.

Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre & Registry

info@nidus.ca 
Non-profit charity that provides free information on personal planning tools, such as Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives and living wills. Also runs centralized Registry for personal planning documents. Also offer free webinars.
Learn more about the Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre & Registry.

Plan Institute

604-439-9566  info@planinstitute.ca   
Future and financial planning resources and workshops for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as a free Disability Planning Helpline for 1:1 support. Topics include wills, trusts and estate planning; the Registered Disability Savings Plan, Disability Tax Credit and other social assistance programs for people with disabilities; personal support network facilitation and more.
Learn more about the Plan Institute.

Rise Women’s Legal Centre

516 Richards Street, Vancouver BC (get directions to Rise Women’s Legal Centre)
236-317-9000     info@womenslegalcentre.ca
Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people. Rise mainly works with clients who are self-representing themselves in family court, and the majority of their clients are people seeking protection from family violence. Rise does not provide full representation or lawyer referrals. Rise is not an emergency service, and women and gender diverse people with urgent legal issues should access the Family Law Line or Family Duty Counsel in their area for more immediate support.
Learn more about the Rise Women’s Legal Centre.

Surrey Women’s Centre Society

604-583-1295 (crisis line)  info@surreywomenscentre.ca
Provides crisis, harm reduction, resource and support services to people of all genders experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other abuse with a feminist approach and a focus on women and marginalized genders. Family and criminal court support services or information are available, and an in-house legal advocate can assist with family law matters. Free and paid trauma counselling is available on a waitlist (CVAP funding accepted) and 12-week counselling support groups run a few times a year.
Learn more about the Surrey Women’s Centre Society.

YWCA Legal Related Programs

Seeds of Independence at YWCA

seedsofindependence@ywcavan.org
Provides mobile support to women who have left abusive relationships and who have exhausted crisis services and require longer-term support. Can meet women wherever they are most comfortable. Helps with applying for housing, accessing income assistance, navigating legal systems, court accompaniments and more. 
Learn more about Seeds of Independence.

Mothers Without Legal Status

604-734-5722 (Hiromi Kase) or 604-209-1808   hkase@ywcavan.org
Supports women who have left abusive relationships and find themselves without legal status, and children who cannot leave Canada with them, after their ex-partners cancel their sponsorships for permanent residence, or other mothers with precarious status who cannot take their children with them out of Canada. Also offers outreach for Japanese women fleeing partner abuse. Can provide outreach assistance and phone or email support (located in Vancouver).
Learn more about Mothers Without Legal Status.